"Of course, to be in the final once again is a dream but at the same time, for it to end like this, to see him cry in the locker room, it's a very difficult moment", commented Nadal while waiting for the second half. -final between Marin Cilic (23rd) and Casper Ruud (8th).

After chained anthology matches against Felix Auger-Aliassime and Novak Djokovic in the previous rounds, the one against Zverev was of the same ilk since the two men had exceeded three hours of play before even having finished the second set.

But on a resumption of support after hitting a forehand at the end of the race, Zverev violently twisted his right ankle.

He immediately collapsed, rolled in the dirt and after a few minutes, his face contorted with pain, he was evacuated in a wheelchair.

He returned to the court leaning on crutches, his right foot in the air, to formalize his abandonment.

The score was 7-6 (10/8), 6-6 in favor of Nadal.

"It's very hard, I'm very sad for him. He was playing an incredible tournament, I know how much he fights to win a Grand Slam tournament, but at the moment he was unlucky. I'm sure he will win, and not just one, but many more," said the Mallorcan, who is only one victory away from a phenomenal 14th title at Roland-Garros, his 22nd Grand Slam title (a new record with two steps ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic).

Alexander Zverev treated by a physiotherapist after his terrible injury during the match against Rafael Nadal at Roland-Garros, June 3, 2022 Anne-Christine POUJOULAT AFP

Last hurdle

This ultimate obstacle, Casper Ruud or Marin Cilic who had never reached the last four Porte d'Auteuil and who face each other early Friday evening, will be whatever happens, on paper, a less frightening pitfall than the last three erased by the Spaniard.

Especially since the latter, who lost only three games in his favorite tournament for 111 victories, has never been beaten in the final.

There remains the sword of Damocles which can ruin the hopes of the Grand Slam record holder at any time (21): this damn pain in the left foot which can wake up at any time.

Rafael Nadal serving against Alexander Zverev at Roland-Garros, June 3, 2022 Christophe ARCHAMBAULT AFP

Assured him that the foot would hold for the duration of his 18th Roland-Garros because his doctor is with him and is doing what is necessary to keep the pain dormant.

Anyway, he will play his 30th major final, one length behind his great rivals Djokovic and Federer but with greater success (0.7% against 0.6%).

Anniversary

He thus becomes the second oldest finalist after Bill Tilden (37) since the initial edition of the French Open in 1925 and could become the oldest winner on Sunday.

Faced with Zverev, on his 36th birthday, Nadal received the same welcome he himself had reserved for his great rival Djokovic in the quarters: the German immediately showed himself to be very aggressive and, entering the court took Nadal by the throat without giving him time to set up his game.

Gradually, however, Nadal managed to fend off his opponent and found his rhythm.

The two men arrived at the tie break where the German, relying on his very big serve (202 km / h average on his first ball) led 6/2.

Causing vocal eruptions from the crowd at every point, Nadal came back to 6/6.

It was finally Nadal who won the first round after 1h31 of arm wrestling.

Despite losing that first set, Zverev maintained his tactics, grabbing every short ball from his opponent to attack and enter the court.

After exchanging face-offs four times, the two players came to the twelfth game. And on the final ball, Zverev's shot went down the hall giving the game to Nadal, while the German was collapsing.

© 2022 AFP